Offer for off-market listing before or after visiting property?

[Armand Farr]

Hey guys,

I've been trying to build a process flow for all the steps for my first real estate deal. I've heard of most people sending in formal offers (with an inspection contingency) on MLS properties before touring them.

However, is this the same for off-market properties? In other words, do you get the seller under contract before visiting the property, or do you just give some sort of verbal offer to gauge their motivation level then set up an appointment?

For context, I live in Silicon Valley, so any reasonably priced properties will probably be at least 90 minutes away. So it's not feasible for me to visit every property that I offer on.